Hi Schlick

Welcome to the forum. It's most probably because the 800 (v1-v4) has been around for a lot longer than the 808 (currently v2). The 808 is optimised for best redbook CD replay, the 800 for CD, DVD and DVD-A. Bob Stuart previously noted that removal of the video side of the 800 allowed an increase in the quality achieved with audio alone.

The original 808 plays CD and the stereo tracks of DVD-A discs, whilst the newer 808.2 is CD only, but employs more advanced (and better sounding) processing.

Cheers

George